Re: Dye Transfer Matrix Film

j.r.anderson (j.r.anderson@mds.qmw.ac.uk)
Tue, 22 Oct 1996 12:07:43 +0100

>This message bounced. Original author is awef6t@mrburns.mi.net.
>
>-------------------------<included message follows>---------------------
>
>>Hi - this is Jim Browning. I don't know if Dye Transfer printing is
>=C7>considered an alternative process, but I like to think of it as such,
>
>It is.
>
>>since the materials are not readily available. I am making my own matrix
>>film in 30x40" sizes, and have my own dye set. I hope to be printing usi=
ng
>>more than just the three process colors (cyan, magenta, yellow), but
>>others as well, such as a flesh tone, or green, as in hi-fi color. The
>>process is truely continuous tone- and the prints are made on un-sensitize=
d
>>fiber photographic paper. I have also transferred to Arches papers for a
>>more subdued look. The process really is good for artists, you can paint
>>dyes directly onto the matrix, and transfer it with a 'painted image', o=
r
>>just to add saturation to a given area. Another nice feature is that once
>>the matricies are made, they are good for a limited edition of about 50
>>prints.
>>I am making any formulas / processes public domain, to encourage others t=
o
>>get involved in dye printing. The coating techniques also apply to coatin=
g
>>polyester film with pigmented gelatin.
>>
>>I am currently finishing a project
>>to develop a workable matrix film emulsion / coater. I have a good emulsio=
n
>>formula, and related process for coating onto polyester film. I also hav=
e
>>a dye set which transfers readily,
>>and is very brilliant with good light fastness.
>
>That is relative. You will never get a dye process as lightfast as solid
>pigments.
>
>>The dyes are wet-fast, and do not require any mordant.
>>

I don't know about anyone else, but I would love to see this information in
the public domain. Despite all the problems of archival permanence, I
frequently bemoan the fact that this technique was discontinued by the
manufacturers - I personally think the results for some well know
photographers have in the past been truly sublime, and I've always wanted
to have a go!!!

Please tell us more!

Jonathan Anderson